Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Thursday presented a proposed budget of N535.69 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Gombe State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidation” aimed at sustaining the gains of his administration and ensuring inclusive growth.
Presenting the proposal during a plenary session on Thursday in Gombe, Yahaya said the 2026 budget was strategically aligned with the Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM) and designed to consolidate the achievements recorded since 2019.
He said the budget seeks to deepen investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development while sustaining fiscal discipline and good governance.
> “The 2026 Budget prioritizes the pressing needs of our people while anchoring our development trajectory on sustainability, equity, and inclusive growth. It reflects our unwavering commitment to building a prosperous and secure Gombe State,” the governor said.
Budget Breakdown
According to Yahaya, the total proposed budget of N535,691,983,000.00 is made up of N164.25 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 30.66%, and N371.44 billion for capital expenditure, representing 69.34%.
He explained that the state plans to generate N416.10 billion as recurrent revenue, N225.57 billion as capital receipts, and an estimated closing balance of N100 billion from the 2025 fiscal year.
The breakdown of recurrent revenue sources includes:
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): N39.05 billion
Statutory Allocation: N80 billion
Government Share of VAT: N65 billion
Other FAAC Receipts: N132.05 billion
Under recurrent expenditure, personnel cost is projected at N41.22 billion, overhead cost N91.97 billion, social benefits N10.05 billion, and debt repayment N21 billion.
Sectoral Allocations
The governor stated that the Economic Sector received the highest allocation with N269.54 billion, followed by the Social Sector with N80.09 billion, General Administration with N19.63 billion, and Law and Justice with N2.17 billion.
Key allocations include:
Works, Housing and Transport: N135.93 billion
Water, Environment and Forestry: N88.41 billion
Education: N31.95 billion
Health: N25.92 billion
Agriculture and Cooperatives: N20.57 billion
Higher Education: N17.52 billion
Yahaya emphasized that the budget is designed to “consolidate on ongoing infrastructural renewal, boost energy and industrial development, improve education and healthcare systems, and promote sustainable livelihoods.”
Review of 2025 Budget
The governor revealed that the 2025 budget, initially approved at N369.9 billion, was later revised upward to N451.66 billion through a supplementary budget following increased revenue inflows.
He said as of September 30, 2025, the state’s recurrent revenue stood at N336.48 billion, representing 126.54% performance, while overall budget performance was 60.12%.
Major Achievements
Highlighting his administration’s milestones, Yahaya said over 1,000 km of roads were constructed under the Network 11-100 Project, several hospitals upgraded, and more than 1,800 classrooms built across 450 schools.
He added that the government secured the operational license for Lincoln University, Kumo, under a public-private partnership, expanded healthcare coverage to 380,000 residents, and completed two PHCs in each of the 114 wards of the state.
The governor also noted significant progress in energy development, including the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Project, Balanga Hydropower Project, and multiple solar mini-grid partnerships with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Economic Outlook
Yahaya commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange adjustments were beginning to yield positive results, including naira stabilization and improved revenue inflows.
> “As the economic tide turns, we foresee a period of accelerated growth and prosperity for both Gombe State and Nigeria at large. I urge our citizens to remain patient and confident,” he said.
Commitment to Legacy Governance
Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain progress and institutional reforms as it enters its final phase.
> “We are not slowing down; we are doubling up. This budget is designed to consolidate all gains and institutionalize a legacy of impactful governance that will endure for generations,” he declared.
He urged the lawmakers to carefully scrutinize and enrich the budget with their inputs, pledging continued collaboration between the executive and legislative arms.
